IS ACTIVE SEATING GOOD FOR CHILDREN?

Keeping a child focused on his or her schoolwork can be challenging for any parent or instructor, especially if that child is particularly energetic, high-spirited or playful. This can be especially true when a child has ADD/ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Aspergers, or Autism. A significant number of children in the United States also have diminished muscle tone or are kinesthetic learners, which adds to their need to squirm, slump, or fidget. Kids within this wide spectrum often have a hard time participating in class and absorbing information.

Most of us have memories of being scolded in the classroom when we, ourselves, were growing up. More and more, however, teachers and therapists are finding that reprimands are not the best practice for students who are restless and distracting others. Making a child feel ashamed about something he or she can’t help can even be detrimental to that child’s mental health and sense of well-being. Unfortunately, not every adult understands this.

The notion of “active seating” is based on the idea that it’s simply not healthy for the body to be still for long periods of time, especially children. Too little activity may cause back and hip soreness, fatigue, decreased core muscle tone and an inability to focus. Active seating promotes slight movements and adjustments for students while they sit. These movements keep the body engaged, discouraging restlessness and its side effects.

Here are just a few of the benefits of adding a little wiggle, bounce, or swing to your child’s day:

Improved posture and muscle tone

With active seating, a student’s postural adjustments strengthen his/her abdominal and trunk muscles. This leads to enhanced gross and find-motor control abilities, sensory input and energy burning. Some kids just have to keep moving! Their muscles crave activity, making it difficult for them to sit still for long periods of time or focus on seated activities. They may require sensory input or self-regulation throughout the day. Providing an active seating tool encourages kids to move and adjust themselves in a non-disruptive way. They burn off excess energy and get the stimulus their bodies are seeking. This makes them more attentive and productive.

Increased blood flow

As a child moves during active seating, his or her heart pumps a bit faster and blood vessels in the legs and hips open, increasing blood flow. Better blood flow means more oxygen to the brain resulting in improved focus and retention.

Got a solution?

Yup! Place a KINNEBAR foot swing under a student’s desk or table and see the immediate difference! This one-of-a-kind invention allows for much-needed movement during class or homework-time, but only from the waist down. It’s fun, but also quiet and otherwise unobtrusive. Kids can move, teachers can teach, and parents can rest easy. Click here to get yours today.